AKAMAS PENINSULA IN CYPRUS
This peninsula is named after Akamas, son of Theseus, who in Greek Mythology, landed here en route from the Trojan War, and is purported to be one of Aphrodite’s lovers.
The peninsula is a nature reserve on the most westerly part of Cyprus. It is a haven for the flora of the island and some of the plants found here are unique to this area. It is sparsely treed due to the chalk/limestone composition of the soil. In addition, over the centuries, trees that have managed to grow to any height, have been persistently felled, in ancient times especially, for use in the construction of ships. Those trees that are there are mostly Aleppo pines, and are found along the summit range which is approximately 700m. There are large tracts of maquis. The terrain is stark and rugged, with vertical cliffs and caves, and deep gorges, and of course wonderful views from the higher peaks. The land drops acutely to the east, but slopes gradually down to the coast on the west. The most north westerly point of Akamas is Cape Arnaoutis. The area in the past was continuously over-grazed by goats.
The gorges of Akamas provide substantial shelter, and moisture from rippling streams, for the many small plants that abound. The main ones are the Androlikou Gorge and Petratis Gorge, both on the northern side of Akamas and seen from the village of Androlikou. The Avakas on the south westerly side is intriguing. Leaving your vehicle to walk, the trail follows the stream, and on both sides are high sheer cliffs which come closer together until the two sides meet, leaving a tunnel through which the stream runs, and through which people of an adventurous nature can worm their way. There are abundant small plants and low bushes, and the gorge is teeming with bird life. Tree frogs are residents here.
Although the Akamas in parts is quite barren by the end of summer, in spring after the winter rains, the land becomes alive with the most vibrant wild flowers – cyclamen, turban buttercups, alyssum (alyssum akamasicum being unique to Akamas) Cyprus tulip, and many species of orchid, yellow gorse and white rock rose. Small plants will also burst into bloom with the first rains of autumn.
As with the flora, the wildlife in this area is threatened by development of human habitation. Along the coast between Latsi and Aphrodite Baths, are caves that bats used to inhabit and monk seals were found in this area, but both seem generally to have moved to new areas, due to the increased building here. Numbers of sea turtles, too, are diminished, both in this area and along the western coast at Lara. Sadly turtles always return to the same place to lay their eggs, so cannot adapt to a new environment if their nesting place has been encroached by human development. Cyprus at present, is the main nesting place in the Mediterranean for Turtles. At Lara there is a turtle hatchery, where the eggs are protected. Other wildlife seen on the Akamas are fruit bats, shrews, hedgehogs and foxes. Few species of snake and many lizards are indigenous.
Indigenous birds are not too numerous, these include griffon vultures in small numbers, Cyprus warblers, and Cyprus Scops owls. But migrant birds are countless, raptors, bee-eaters with their amazing colours, cranes, herons and storks. Some in spring and others in autumn.
Akamas is the most sparsely populated area of Cyprus. From the old villages most of the young people have migrated to the larger towns to find formal employment, leaving the older people to sustain any small-scale farming such as vines or goats. Isolated villages on the summit are dwindling in population. Kathikas lies at the edge of the grape-growing area, and nearby is a microwinery , Vasilikon, but most of the grapes are sent to the larger wineries. The Akamas Information Centre is in Kathikas. Ineia is the highest village on Akamas and has a basket weaving museum. Drousia has magnificent views, especially of the bay of Polis, solid stone dwellings, and very narrow winding roads. Neo Chorio overlooks the Petratis Gorge which has a famous bat cave filmed by David Attenborough in 1985. From Neo Chorio a rough but passable road leads to Smigies a delightful picnic spot with a sweet spring.
Down to the northern coast, along from Latsi are the Baths of Aphrodite, where in Greek Mythology, Aphrodite is said to have met Akamas. It is a beautiful spot where there is an enchanting shady rock pool, over-hung by the branches of a fig tree. Nearby is the start of the Aphrodite and Adonis Walking Trails. These lead up to join the Smigies Trail at the Picnic Ground. Following a scenic footpath 8kms beyond the Baths of Aphrodite, or accessible by boat, is a quiet secluded cove, below a spring named Fontana Amoroza (Love’s Spring) which is said to be Aphrodite’s Fountain of Love. Anyone who drinks from this spring is said to be filled with youthful amorous desire!
What is to become of this wild and beautiful area of isolation, where developers are itching to have their bulldozers and cranes move in, for property development and personal gain? Already a large hotel has been built on an area that had been declared ‘protected’ by the Government of Cyprus. Some organizations are trying to revive the old villages for tourism, so as to avoid building large extensive modern apartments and hotels. Environmentalists are hoping to have Akamas declared a National Park so that any further property development would be prohibited. But it seems imperative that this stretch of peace, tranquillity and quiet should remain just that.
The Akamas is somewhere that you can feel isolated and away from it all.
Large expanses of the Akamas are designated Green Areas which means no development. THis makes it an extremely beautiful area with untouched coastline, pebble and sandy beaches and mountain trails. As the Akamas is about 40mins drive from Paphos, it is somewhat of a secret to tourists, it is therefore very uncommercialised.
Local fish taverns populate the latchi waterfront and harbour, the catch of the day finds it way on to the table each day. The food is simply amazing, you will be back for more!
Agios does have some lovely villas in Latchi, 100m from the water's edge. These villas are very highly recommended, find them using the search form on the main page of this website. Renting a Cyprus Holiday Villa in this neck of the woods is a must for those seeking rest and relaxation.
Nature drives can also be arranged, the views from the hilltops are truly breathtaking. The Akamas is the most highly recommended part of Cyprus.